Founder cites power crisis in Ford Kenya

PHOTO | JACOB OWITI Ford-Kenya founder Felix Minda during the interview with Sunday Nation in Kisumu.  NATION

In Summary

• Businessman-cum politician Felix Minda has accused the current party leaders of self-centredness and non-commitment, saying that the leadership lacks focus following since the demise of Mr Kijana Wamalwa.
• The MP further said the party was quite robust, citing the successful management of last years’ general election under Cord Coalition.
• Prof Olang Sana of Maseno University has lent his support to the call for restructuring, saying that parties can only be strong in the coalitions that they use to ride into power if their internal structures are stable.

By MOSES ODHIAMBO
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Concerns have been raised over a leadership crisis in Ford Kenya party, which has put it in a state of neglect despite its history as the champion of reforms in the country.

Businessman-cum politician Felix Minda has accused the current party leaders of self-centredness and non-commitment, saying that the leadership lacks focus following since the demise of Mr Kijana Wamalwa.

“There is also a lack of balance in executive positions in the party, a majority of which are occupied by non-committed politicians from the former Western Province,” stated Mr Minda.

The politician further accused the leaders of dishonesty in the wake of their concerted call for Luhya unity when challenges posed by tribalism are rife in Kenya.

“Instead of concentrating on a single party for the Luhya, why not strengthen and restore it as the party that championed development in Kenya in its hey days?” he posed.

“I challenge party leader Moses Wetang’ula to take charge of the party to steer clear of the challenges faced by the members.”




But, in response, Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch dismissed Mr Minda’s claims.

“The lone ranger attitude taken by the politician contravenes the principle of dialogue, which is one of our core values,” he said.
“We have laid out plans to mobilise national delegates to precipitate elections at the grassroots,” he explained.

RESTRUCTURING

The MP further said the party was quite robust, citing the successful management of last years’ general election under Cord Coalition.

“We are looking to increase representation beyond Awendo, Kisumu West and Lunga Lunga constituencies, and Bungoma County, which had leaders elected from the party,” he said.

According to the party’s website, only two positions in the management committee, that of second deputy chair and vice chair youth affairs, are held by representatives from Nyanza.

Prof Olang Sana of Maseno University has lent his support to the call for restructuring, saying that parties can only be strong in the coalitions that they use to ride into power if their internal structures are stable.

“Coalitions become weak because of the wrangles within the unit parties in the united force; this can only be reversed when parties allow their members to elect representatives from across the country,” he said.

Prof Olang reiterated that tribal outfits in the party structures must be done away with for the FORD-Kenya party to have a national face that can compete in the coming presidential polls.

“With renewed leadership, old parties like FORD can return to their former glory and not need to be enjoined in coalitions to compete for powerful posts like the presidency,” he explained.